Young children who ingest excessive amounts of fluoride can develop teeth with dental fluorosis. Fluorosis is a defect in the tooth enamel that causes discoloration and increased porosity. Approximately 32 percent of American children have some form of fluorosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Fixing and preventing fluorosis can be relatively simple.
Instructions
What to Consider with Fluorosis
1. Look for signs of dental fluorosis. Although mild cases may produce no visible signs on your child's teeth, moderate to severe fluorosis causes white lines, streaks or spots, as well as pitting of the teeth, misshapen enamel and brown, black or gray spots.
2. Visit your dentist for a diagnosis. Your dentist will take x-rays and examine your child's teeth and gums to rule out other dental conditions and defects that may look like fluorosis. Your dentist will need to know your child's exposure to fluoride, including toothpaste containing fluoride, fluoridated water consumption and fluoride supplements. If your dentist diagnoses your child with fluorosis, he may suggest cosmetic treatments, depending on the severity.
3. Get teeth-whitening treatments. Although many cases of dental fluorosis are mild enough to not require treatment, tooth whitening may be an option, to remove stains on the enamel of the front teeth.
4. Consider tooth restorations for severe cases of fluorosis. Your dentist may recommend bonding, crowns or veneers, if whitening is not enough to correct the affects of fluorosis.
5. Heed prevention measures. Be aware of your child's fluoride intake, especially while he is under the age of 6. Make sure your child uses only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and spits instead of swallowing after brushing his teeth. Have your dentist or local health department check your water for fluoride levels before allowing your child to take fluoride supplements.
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